Mozambique Island Hopping Dhow Safari

10 days

from $2,995pp (excluding flights)

Snorkel off deserted white sandbanks, swim in clear warm waters and sleep in mobile fly camps on the beaches of the Quirimbas Archipelago on this fantastic island hopping dhow adventure.

Snorkel, swim, kayak, walk and explore the Quirimbas Archipelago

Set departure or tailor made holidays to a truly remote tropical islands

Interact with Ibo’s local culture and learn about it’s fascinating history

Sleep in luxury eco camps on remote, uninhabited, starlit islands

Led by an expert guide, this trip is a rare opportunity to connect with your surroundings. Explore the coastline fringed by tropical islands on a sturdy, motorised 11 metre Arab dhow. Sea kayak or sail up wide coastal river mouths, teeming with endemic bird species and pristine mangrove forests.

A full support crew sets up camp as you explore, relax, fish and snorkel, and chefs conjure up fresh seafood and traditional cuisine over an open fire under island stars. Camp out, or sleep aboard the dhow to the soothing sound of the calm waters lapping at the shoreline.

This sea safari ends with a stay on the mystical and ancient Ibo Island, at the beautiful Ibo Island Lodge – a perfect end to a unique adventure.

For a more detailed itinerary with great ideas on what to do and where to stay, please get in touch with our experts.

PLEASE NOTE THE COST SHOWN INCLUDES INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS DEPARTING FROM THE UK, BASED ON AN APPROXIMATE AIR FARE. PLEASE ASK YOUR TRAVEL EXPERT FOR AN ACCURATE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT QUOTE. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS DEPARTING FROM THE UK ARE ATOL PROTECTED.

Itinerary at a glance

Spend a Day Exploring the RuinsSpend some time exploring this fascinating island. Wander around the eerie colonial ruins that date back to the days of the slave trade, when Ibo was one of the most important trade hubs in Portuguese East Africa. Amongst the crumbling buildings are a pair of forts, a large church and several cemeteries.Dotted with ruins and ancient forts, Ibo combines spectacular desert-island views with a rich, eclectic history. The local people buzz with life, preserving an authentic island culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Remote Matemo is an Indian Ocean paradise, dotted with coves and surrounded by warm, azure seas. Just eight kilometres in length, the island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs - perfect for subaquatic exploration.

Afternoon Visit to a Local Fishing VillageTake a tour through a local fishing village and learn about the people's way of life, before stopping on the southern tip of Matemo Island. Here, have some time to explore.

Day Trip to Ulumbwa EstuarySet out on an early morning sail up the Ulumbwa Estuary. Look out for the wide variety of birds that live here, whilst slowly cruising through the mangroves that spill out into the estuary.

Mogundula stands out, even amongst the spectacular beauty of the Quirimbas Archipelago. Locally renowned for its sacred lake, the island offers fantastic birding and captivating snorkelling. Uninhabited, it is blissfully tranquil.

Day Trip to the Pangane PeninsulaSpend the day travelling by dhow to the nearby Pangane Peninsula. This idyllic strip of land is renowned for its white, palm-fringed beaches, as well as the charming fishing community that spreads along its southern shore.

Ibo Island Guided TourSet out on a guided tour of the island. Visit Ibo's 200-year-old ghost town and have the chance to interact with the friendly local people; learn about their distinctive island culture and way of life, which has remained unchanged for centuries.